Eliana Joy

Hello friends and family,

Wanted to let you know that on Tuesday Oct. 24th, at 1:50PM Eliana Joy Marcum was born to us. Coming in at 3.4 kilos (around 71/2 lbs) with apparently strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. I guess both of those could change.

She is beautiful! Both her and Julie are doing great! Michaela squealed as we actually got to bring her home with us. God blessed has blessed us once again. I stand amazed at his power to create and also at the stength you women display during birth. Rejoice with us! We love you all!

Blessings!
Joshua, Julie, Michaela, and Eliana Joy

P.S. Eliana (pronounced like the two names Eli and Ana put together) is Hebrew for "The Lord has answered." Joy is my mother's middle name and was also the name of my Papa Sike's sister who died when she was young.

Baby Shower

Although during times in this second pregnancy, I've missed seeing my mom, I've been so thankful for the support of the other ladies on the team. I've already contracted a family to take care of Michaela during the delivery, and told Trish Sandoval that she is my back up labor partner in case something happens to Josh. But the ladies really went all out when they gave me a baby shower. They decorated up Jamie's apartment in a safari theme (the theme of the nursery) and made all my favorite "bocaditos" (finger foods) and gave me some lovely gifts. We invited the Arcos, my Bolivian family, as well and it was a really fun time for all involved. Thank you, ladies, for the love and support you've shown to me and Josh and Michaela over the last few months. I wouldn't want to be here without you!